Germany Accuses Russia of 'Hybrid Disinformation Attack' Over Military Audio Leak

Germany has accused the Russian President of attempting to create division by leaking a confidential German army discussion about the Ukraine war. This comes as Berlin faces pressure to provide the Taurus missile to Kyiv.

A 38-minute recording of the discussions was shared online late Friday on Russian social media, where the participants talked about the potential use of German-made Taurus missiles and their possible impact.

Germany Probes Taurus Missiles Talks to Ukraine

According to Simonyan, the recording indicates discussions regarding the use of German-made Taurus missiles by Ukrainian forces and their potential repercussions. It was brought up that there was an inquiry about the possibility of trying to target strategic locations, such as a crucial bridge linking Russian-occupied Crimea to the mainland across the Kerch Strait.

The German Defense Ministry is currently investigating whether communications in the air force sector were intercepted, as mentioned by a ministry spokeswoman. Experts consulted by Der Spiegel magazine have expressed belief in the authenticity of the recording.

Kyiv has long sought Taurus missiles from Germany, capable of reaching targets up to 300 miles away. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been reluctant to provide them, fearing an escalation of the conflict.

At the same time, the leaked audio also discloses information about France providing their version of Storm Shadow missiles, called Scalp, to Ukraine. The unusual ways of transportation in Audi Q7s, commercial SUVs, brings an interesting aspect to the arms delivery.

During the call, Brigadier General Frank Graefe, believed to be a participant, discussed the training of Ukrainian troops on German soil. He suggested that, once trained and ready to return to Ukraine, Britain should "take over," raising questions about the potential involvement of British troops, according to Daily Mail.

Germany Probes Security Breach in Leaked Call

Speculation has been started by the leaked call, as German opposition politician Roderich Kiesewetter has raised worries about a possible safety breach, hinting at the presence of a Russian intelligence agent. Problems were further raised when someone involved caused the possibility of offering more information through WhatsApp, describing possible flaws in communication channels.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has labeled the leak as "very serious" and has ordered an investigation into the matter. The revelation follows Scholz's recent suggestion of British troops aiding Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The intercepted call has raised security concerns in Germany, with critics describing it as one of the country's worst security breaches since the Cold War. The incident prompts questions about the adequacy of communication security protocols within the German military.

Germany may decide not to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine as a result of the stolen substance, especially if international tensions rise. The intercepted call, along with talks about potential strikes on the Kerch bridge, has garnered global interest and led to allegations from Russian officials like Dmitry Medvedev, who described it as proof of Germany "getting ready for conflict with Russia."

This information is made at an essential point when Russia repelled Ukraine's counteroffensive and obtained considerable military advances. Kyiv is seeking additional weapons and funding, but faces challenges due to differences in the US Congress that are hindering international support, The Telegraph reported.